Friday, August 29, 2008
Resolving interpersonal conflict
The above is an example of conflict between a couple which took place at their home. The guy had been busy watching his favourite basketball match on television that he did not wash the dishes. He even messed up the living room by leaving his things around. When he heard his wife open the door, he tried to tidy up the living room. However it was too late, as his wife had already caught him in action. Looking at the mess he had created, she was extremely furious. Without hesitation, she started throwing the remote control against the wall and cutting up her husband’s jersey. Her husband then cut up her newly bought top in return. They started destroying each other’s favourite things. In the end, the husband gave in and started clearing up the mess.
The main problem between the couple is that no communication was present between them. The lady could not control her emotions well and did not know how to express her anger in an appropriate manner rather than resorting to violent means. Her husband made the matter worse by taking his revenge on her by following suit, instead of trying to explain himself or pacifying her. During the conflict, the lady must have felt angry and bitter. On the other hand, her husband felt revengeful on seeing her destroy his favourite things.
If the both of them had better interpersonal communication skills, all of the tragedies could have been avoided. What do you think they could have done in the above situation?
The following is a link to a short video clip on what to do when conflict happens:
http://www.crmlearning.com/what-to-do-when-conflict-happens
It presents a four step approach to help us resolve conflicts in the most productive way.
4 comments:
Hi..
(Sorry the above is done by me. Click wrongly)
I feel that in this clip, it shows that emotions is one factor which can affect our level and mode of communications. It could also lead to a similar reciprocated response from the other party as shown in this video. While this may not always be the case, it can be a likely response and it will impede the level of communications.
(Sorry the above is done by me. Click wrongly)
I feel that in this clip, it shows that emotions is one factor which can affect our level and mode of communications. It could also lead to a similar reciprocated response from the other party as shown in this video. While this may not always be the case, it can be a likely response and it will impede the level of communications.
I feel that the things that they did in the video are rather extreme. If the lady had kept her emotions in check, all these things would not happen. However, the man was also at fault. I think that the lady should have made her unhappiness known verbally. Of course, that does not mean that she should shout at her husband. She could have spoken to him nicely and probably give him a minor punishment like making him do all the housework if he continues making the house dirty.
Hi Audrey, you have described a scenario which happens so often in the home between husbands and wives and even between flatmates although the consequences may not be as extreme as shown in the video.
You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the main cause of the conflict – “no communication”. You also correctly identified the feelings of the parties involved – anger and revenge. What about frustration on the part of the wife initially?
Thanks for the short clip on conflict resolution.
Great job!
You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the main cause of the conflict – “no communication”. You also correctly identified the feelings of the parties involved – anger and revenge. What about frustration on the part of the wife initially?
Thanks for the short clip on conflict resolution.
Great job!
I feel that in this clip, it shows that emotions is one factor which can affect our level and mode of communications. It could also lead to a similar reciprocated response from the other party as shown in this video. While this may not always be the case, it can be a likely response and it will impede the level of communications.